In anticipation of Thursday’s noon opening of the NHL free agent market:

* The Rangers have begun negotiations aimed at keeping impending free agent enforcer Jody Shelley in New York and off the market.

GM Glen Sather is believed to have offered Shelley, who earned $725,000 last year, a two-deal deal in the neighborhood of $850,000 per.

Shelley’s representative is expected to make a counter proposal.

* Erik Christensen, the midseason waiver acquisition from Anaheim who worked his way onto the first line centering Marian Gaborik, has rejected a two-year offer believed worth $750,000 per and will become a free agent following the Rangers’ decision not to qualify him.

Christensen, who recorded 26 points (8-18) in 49 games for the Rangers, would have been eligible for salary arbitration had he been qualified.

* The Rangers placed Donald Brashear, Aaron Voros and Patrick Rissmiller on waivers Tuesday but have no intention of buying out any of them should they clear. Buyouts count against the salary cap; contracts assigned to the AHL do not (after September).

A buyout of Brashear, who is on an over-35 contract, would guarantee a $1.4 million charge against the cap. It’s not happening.

* The Rangers’ priority Thursday will be to sign a backup goaltender who is ready, willing and able to play 15-18 games in support of Henrik Lundqvist, and who will embrace that job description.

Marty Biron and Johan Hedberg (if he does not re-up in Atlanta) would be prime candidates.